Railroad Commissioners Testify Today Before the Texas House Energy Committee

03/07/2016

AUSTIN – All three Railroad Commissioners today provided invited testimony before the Texas House Energy Resources Committee. The Commissioners updated committee members on the agency’s activities. The Railroad Commission of Texas has primary regulatory oversight over the state’s oil and gas exploration and production industry, intrastate pipeline safety, natural gas utilities, surface mining and alternative fuels safety.

Chairman David Porter said, “While we remain firmly committed to protecting the people of Texas and our natural resources, I am deeply concerned current price and activity levels in the energy industry could hurt the long-term sustainability of the Commission under our current funding structure. We must have a serious conversation with the Legislature about how the Railroad Commission is going to be funded moving forward if we’re going to continue to have the financial resources we need to do our job here in Texas and not let the federal government takeover by default.”

Commissioner Christi Craddick said, “Over the last few dynamic years for Texas energy production, we have adjusted our processes to stay ahead of our state’s fast-paced energy industry. The Commission continues to function under the mission of providing thorough, business-minded regulation and real-time response to issues surrounding public safety and the protection of our natural resources, and we become more efficient in this effort every day.”

Commissioner Ryan Sitton said, “I’m excited to continue working with the Legislature to ensure the Railroad Commission is doing the best job possible for the people of Texas. Our agency is committed to giving Texans confidence in the way our natural resources are produced. I know that the Legislature shares our commitment to protecting the environment and public while responsibly producing our natural resources, and that we will move forward together to ensure the Railroad Commission remains a high- caliber and high-performing state agency.”

Our mission is to serve Texas by our stewardship of natural resources and the environment, our concern for personal and community safety, and our support of enhanced development and economic vitality for the benefit of Texans. The Commission has a long and proud history of service to both Texas and to the nation, including almost 100 years regulating the oil and gas industry. The Commission also has jurisdiction over alternative fuels safety, natural gas utilities, surface mining and intrastate pipelines. Established in 1891, the Railroad Commission of Texas is the oldest regulatory agency in the state. To learn more, please visit http://www.rrc.texas.gov.